Page 10 of Ruthless Guardian

"Because,SignorinaIsabella, your safety isn't just another job to me," I start, carefully choosing each word. "I've worked with many, but your situation requires not only skill and dedication but a level of personal commitment that I'm prepared to give. You're not just another client on a list—you're a responsibility I'm willing to take on, fully aware of the stakes involved."

Isabella's expression softens slightly, the iciness melting into something resembling curiosity. Her father, Luca, watches the exchange, his scrutiny unwavering, as if trying to decipher the sincerity of my words.

"As you can imagine, I’ve interviewed quite a few capable men for the position," Isabella continues. "What makes you better?"

“I simply am better.” I flash her a cocky grin, the one I’ve mastered over the years. It typically distracts women enough so that I can get my way, but Isabella’s intense scrutiny doesn’t falter.

It is a fair question, so I pause, ensuring that my response expresses my conviction because despite knowing this is a mistake, I want this job. "It's not just about protecting you—it's about understanding you. Knowing when to step back and when to step in. I don't see you as a task to be managed but as a person. And that will always make the difference in how I protect you. I'm not here to just guard a principal; I'm here to ensure that you live your life as freely and safely as possible."

Her look is penetrating, as if she's sifting through my words for any trace of a lie. Luca's stance relaxes, a subtle nod indicating his approval of my answer.

"Very well," Luca finally says, breaking the tension. "We'll proceed with the paperwork. But let me be clear,SignorFerrara, my daughter's safety is paramount. Any failure on your part will not be taken lightly."

"Understood,SignorValentino.”

As Isabella steps back, the hint of a smile touches her lips, and fucking hell my cock hardens at that one rare glimpse. And suddenly, all I want is a chance to prove my worth—to protect and understand her. So instead of walking away as I’d vowed to do, I find myself reaching for Isabella’s hand sealing the deal that will likely lead to my damnation.

The brief touch is electric, her skin warm and soft against my rough palm. Her eyes lift to mine and again, I’m drowning in the sea of endless blue.

What have I done?

CHAPTER 6

A PROFESSIONAL DISTANCE

Isabella

“Welcome,SignorFerrara. I’m pleased to see you again.”Papà’s voice echoes across the high ceilings of the penthouse foyer, and I slide to the edge of the couch cushion, a nervous energy rushing my veins. The sweet scent of the calla lilies on the coffee table do nothing to still the building anxiety.

“Always a pleasure,SignorValentino. And please, no need for the formalities, call me Raffaele.” That deep, rough tenor only quickens my pulse.

Relax, Bella. Raffaele is the one who needs to make a good impression, not you. I repeat the mantra over and over again, until the mad drumbeat battering my ribcage subsides. He’s the one who must prove his worth as a bodyguard, and I just have to survive long enough for him to do that.

The shooting yesterday sure as hell shook me up, but it hasn’t completely derailed me from the idea of starting to live my life again. It was a fluke… and it was handled. I smooth down theruffles of the linen sundress, not used to the feel of actual clothes on my skin after living in pajamas for the past month.

The slap of heavy footfalls draws my attention back to the present, to the intimidating man stalking toward me. A black button-down shirt stretches across the broad expanse of his chest, neatly tucked into his dark slacks. For such a big guy, he walks with surprising grace, like a predator, fluid and focused. Every motion is deliberate and powerfully controlled, contradicting his size with the elegance of a panther on the prowl.

Raffaele dips his head when his eyes meet mine. “Good morning,signorina.”

“It’s Isabella, or Bella is fine too.”

“I preferSignorinaValentino if it’s all the same to you. I find maintaining a professional distance helps to keep us both on task.”

I rise, slapping my hands on my hips. I can feelPapà’s scrutinizing gaze observing our interaction. “So you expect me to call youSignorFerrara?” Talk about a mouthful.

“I don’t expect anything from you. You are my principal, my duty. You can call me whatever you’re most comfortable with.”

“What about Raf?”

A barely perceptible tendon flutters across his scruffy jaw. “If that’s what you prefer,signorina.”

Papàpivots, turning that measured gaze on me. “As you know, Raffaele has spent the last week with Tony, learning the ins and outs of our security protocols. I have every confidence in his ability to protect you,principessa.”

I cringe at the silly childhood nickname, then heat rushes up my neck and diffuses across my cheeks when I catch the faint smirk spreading Raffaele’s perfect lips.

“Well, I will leave you two to get acquainted.” My father starts to back out of the great room toward the hallway thatleads to his office. I’m not surprised he’s chosen to work from home today, just like my mom coincidentally canceled her yoga session with Aunt Rose. They want to give me the semblance of independence while still keeping me on a short leash. Vinny is the only one who abandoned me for the morning, deciding today would be the one he’d start his summer internship at King Industries.

“Traitor,” I mutter asPapàdisappears down the hall.

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